In 1875, the department suffered its first line of duty death when the same Captain Josiah Baxter first appointed in 1861 was shot while trying to arrest a domestic abuser. In 1946 Officer George S. Bell was shot and killed while searching for an itinerant farm worker wanted for the murder of his wife. In 1965 Officer Paul Murphy was found unconscious at the base of a flight of ice covered steps. He died a short time later at a Boston Hospital. On April 1, 2014 Officer Gregg Maloney was killed in a single vehicle motorcycle crash. He was flown to Mass General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. All four of our line-of duty deaths are memorialized on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.
A new Plymouth Police Fallen Officer Memorial was created outside the station, honoring the 4 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition, a Fallen K-9 Memorial was created, celebrating the K-9s who have served the department. A dedication ceremony was held on May 15, 2024 with the names of the Fallen engraved on the monument.
Police Officer
Gregory Todd Maloney
EOW: Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Officer Gregg Maloney was involved in a single vehicle crash on Samoset Street while on motorcycle patrol. He was flown to a Boston hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Maloney is survived by his wife and two sons.
Patrolman
Paul David Murphy
EOW: Thursday, February 20, 1965
Patrolman Paul Murphy was found unconscious at the base of a flight of ice-covered steps off of School
Street. He died three weeks later from his injuries at a Boston Hospital.
Patrolman Murphy was a United States Marine Corp veteran. He was survived by his wife and two
children.
Patrolman
George S. Bell
EOW: Saturday, June 29, 1946
Patrolman George Bell was shot and killed by a migrant worker when he and another Officer attempted
to arrest him for the murder of a house maid. A Massachusetts State Trooper later shot and killed the
suspect.
Patrolman Bell served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He had been discharged
from the service only 20 days prior to being killed. Patrolman Bell was survived by his wife.
Captain
Josiah D. Baxter
EOW: Monday, May 3, 1875
Captain Baxter was shot and killed while trying to serve an arrest warrant. The suspect was captured a
short time later, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to prison.
Captain Baxter was survived by his wife and son .